Tremfya (guselkumab) vs Stelara (ustekinumab)

Tremfya (guselkumab) vs Stelara (ustekinumab)

Tremfya (guselkumab) and Stelara (ustekinumab) are both biologic medications used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, but they target different proteins involved in the inflammatory process. Tremfya specifically blocks interleukin-23 (IL-23) to reduce inflammation, while Stelara blocks both interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), potentially affecting a broader range of immune responses. The choice between Tremfya and Stelara may depend on an individual's specific medical history, the presence of co-existing conditions, the response to previous treatments, and the advice of their healthcare provider.

Difference between Tremfya and Stelara

Metric Tremfya (guselkumab) Stelara (ustekinumab)
Generic name Guselkumab Ustekinumab
Indications Plaque psoriasis, Psoriatic arthritis Plaque psoriasis, Psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis
Mechanism of action IL-23 inhibitor IL-12 and IL-23 inhibitor
Brand names Tremfya Stelara
Administrative route Subcutaneous injection Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous infusion
Side effects Upper respiratory infections, headache, injection site reactions, arthralgia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, tinea infections, herpes simplex infections Upper respiratory infections, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, injection site reactions, pruritus, back pain, dizziness, myalgia, depression
Contraindications Known hypersensitivity to guselkumab or any excipients in the formulation Known hypersensitivity to ustekinumab or any excipients in the formulation
Drug class Monoclonal antibody Monoclonal antibody
Manufacturer Janssen Biotech, Inc. Janssen Biotech, Inc.

Efficacy

Tremfya (Guselkumab) Efficacy in Psoriasis

Tremfya (guselkumab) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Guselkumab is a biologic that specifically targets interleukin-23 (IL-23), a cytokine that plays a key role in the inflammation and development of psoriatic plaques. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tremfya can lead to significant skin clearance in many patients with plaque psoriasis. In pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, such as VOYAGE 1 and 2, more than 70% of patients treated with guselkumab achieved at least a 90% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) after 16 weeks of treatment, which is considered to be a high level of efficacy.

Stelara (Ustekinumab) Efficacy in Psoriasis

Stelara (ustekinumab) is another biologic medication used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Ustekinumab works by targeting interleukins 12 and 23 (IL-12 and IL-23), which are involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Clinical studies have shown that Stelara can produce significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms. According to the results from Phase 3 clinical trials such as PHOENIX 1 and 2, approximately 67-76% of patients achieved PASI 75, which means a 75% reduction in the PASI score, within 12 weeks of treatment initiation. Moreover, many patients maintain this level of response with continued treatment.

Comparative Efficacy

When comparing Tremfya and Stelara, both have shown high efficacy in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. However, Tremfya, with its specific action on IL-23, may offer superior skin clearance for some patients as suggested by PASI 90 responses in clinical trials. It is important to note that individual responses to treatment can vary, and the choice of therapy should be tailored to the patient's specific condition, medical history, and preferences. Both medications have been pivotal in advancing psoriasis management and improving the quality of life for many individuals living with this chronic condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Tremfya (guselkumab) and Stelara (ustekinumab) have been proven to be effective treatments for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The choice of treatment should be made on an individual basis, considering the unique aspects of each patient's disease and the safety profile of the medications. Patients are advised to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for their psoriasis.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Tremfya
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Stelara
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

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If Tremfya or Stelara are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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